Online Reporter
Luthando Mapepa
Correspondent
THE Government’s public-private partnership is yielding positive results in transforming Zimbabwe’s health sector, with hundreds of people in Mutema-Musikavanhu Constituency in Chipinge now able to access specialist medical services closer to home following the establishment of the Musikavanhu Telehealth Hub at Munyokowere Village.
Chipinge, like many districts, faces challenges in accessing specialist medical services, with patients often having to travel long distances to referral hospitals in search of specialist care. However, the situation is expected to improve following the commissioning of the Musikavanhu Telehealth Hub, which was established through a public-private partnership between the Government, NetOne and ZimSmart Villages.
The facility, established under NetOne’s “NetOne at 30 Medical Outreach and Telemedicine” initiative, uses digital infrastructure provided by NetOne to connect patients in rural communities with medical specialists through remote video consultations and digital diagnostic services. Speaking during the commissioning of the facility last Saturday, NetOne Public Relations Manager, Mr Ernest Magadzire, said the initiative seeks to address challenges faced by rural communities, particularly long distances and transport costs associated with accessing specialist healthcare. Mr Magadzire said technology can play a critical role in ensuring that distance does not become a barrier to accessing medical attention.
“The vision of bringing virtual healthcare closer to communities through technology has been championed by Her Excellency, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, the First Lady and Patron of Health. It is her vision that communities should not be disadvantaged simply because they are far from major health centres or specialist medical services. NetOne is proud to help turn that vision into reality.
“Our role is to bring connectivity and digital capability that make this possible. And now, Musikavanhu becomes part of that vision,” he said.
Mr Magadzire said for many people in rural communities, distance determines how quickly they can receive medical attention, with transport costs sometimes discouraging patients from seeking care.
“For many people in rural communities, distance can determine how quickly they can receive medical attention. A person may know they need help, but the nearest health facility may be kilometres away. Sometimes transport may be very expensive. Sometimes the condition does not appear serious enough to justify the journey, and sometimes by the time a person finally reaches a health facility, the problem has already become serious. This is where technology can make a difference,” he said.
Mr Magadzire said the initiative demonstrates how connectivity can translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
“At NetOne, we have connected Zimbabweans for 30 years. But as we celebrate our 30 years, we are asking ourselves a bigger question: What should connectivity achieve?
“If connectivity allows a farmer to access information that has an impact, or if it allows a patient in Musikavanhu to access medical expertise without travelling long distances, that is what we call impact,” he said.
Officially opening the telemedicine hub, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister and Mutema-Musikavanhu legislator, Honourable Angeline Gata, said the facility demonstrates Government’s commitment to provide people-centred services.
“A healthy nation contributes to the economic development of the country. Citizens are productive when their health is good. Hence, this facility will go a long way in providing solutions to patients while also contributing to the development of the country,” said Honourable Gata.
She thanked the partners involved in establishing the facility and said efforts were underway to have another telehealth hub established in the constituency.
“We want to thank all the partners who made this facility possible. We are lobbying to establish another telehealth facility in this constituency because the constituency is big. We want critical health services to be brought closer to the people,” she said.
Honourable Gata said the initiative is also in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
“On behalf of the constituency, I want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his vision of leaving no one and no place behind,” she said.
Chipinge District Medical Officer, Dr Ozzymore Matekenya, welcome the development in the district and applaud partnerships in transforming health care services in marginalised communities.
“Telehealth is not a replacement for our dedicated health workers or for physical clinical care. It is a powerful tool that can support health professionals, improve access to expertise, encourage early assessment and strengthen follow-up for patients who need continuing care.
“By investing in healthcare, NetOne is investing in the dignity, productivity and future of our communities, while demonstrating the value of partnerships between the Government, business and communities,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Kudzai Maridzambira from Chibuwe, welcomed the development, saying it will reduce the burden of travelling long distances to access medical services.
“As a local community, we are happy with this initiative. The services we used to travel long distances and pay huge sums of money for are now on our doorstep. We want to thank everyone who made this happen,” she said.
